Paradise

Paradise Lost

No matter what airport you’re at, layovers are icky poo boring. But to my utter surprise, I experienced a major cosmetic pick-me-up when my tired eyes stumbled upon a Sephora vending machine at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport! Yeee haww! What an ingenious idea!

As I admiringly gazed at the Kinerase, Dr. Perricone, philosophy, Benefit, and Urban Decay products (as if they were my children), I spotted IT: Shu Uemura’s Eyelash Curler! I was sooo due for a replacement and what better time to snag one, all the while experiencing the purchasing process of this new beauty machine!

Oh, but what seemed like technological heaven became tortuous hell!

Imagine the scene in slo-mo:

- My finger pressing the computer touch screen with ease. I smile and nod with satisfaction.

- Nice Computer asks me to swipe my plastic. Silky sound of plastic swiped.

- (drum roll) Suction valve zings over to the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler…and then…womp womp. The product gets stuck! NOOOOO!!!

My eyelashes fell just a little lower at the sight of this odious transaction gone wrong. Why me?

One good thing, though: The Sephora vending machine has a built in sensor of sorts that realizes when a product doesn’t dispense properly, and since my transaction malfunctioned, Mr. Nice Computer Screen told me that my credit card wouldn’t be charged. Whew!

Conclusion: Fabulous concept, but could you make them smaller so we’re able to wrap our arms around them and give ‘em a good shake when such an action calls (or to give them a hug when it works)?

Sartorial Jacket

Honestly, the selfish side of me wants to keep Cutiemus.com–an uber adorable online  store that sells modern and vintage duds without burning a hole in your wallet–all to myself, but that’s not good fashion karma. Plus, I think the world would be a better place if there were more cutie-nistas walking around.

To best describe it, Cutiemus’ style is a cross between Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. It’s feminine and sweet but still manages to possess its own unique flair through its details.

Check out the site and spread the word! Just do me a favor: Leave the Sartorial Jacket, Gigi Dress, Naomi Blouse, and Green Tea Top for me, please.

While the media and consumers have been in a Black Friday frenzy over Zhu Zhu Hamsters–the robotic toy hamsters that are programmed to squeak and zoom through tunnels, exercise wheels, and other accessories–I’ve been having a conniption fit. Hellooo, has anyone seen I, Robot?! Zhu Zhu Hamsters are hatching an evil plot to take over the world! Wake up, humanity, before you wake up under a pile of cedar chips!

When I heard about RentTheRunway.com (RTR), I–in keeping with fashion guru Rachel Zoe‘s signature adverbial misuse–”literally” felt like diving into every corner mailbox. For all you who were analog shopping, Rent the Runway serves as a “Netflix” for glam garb by allowing you to borrow dresses at 10% of their retail price.  You simply peruse the site, choose an A-list designer dress to be shipped to your address, and once you’re done wearing it, drop it off in the mail. (The gals at RTR even do the dry cleaning.)

In all seriousness, my initial thought was: “Ridiculosity.” The way I figured, frivolous services that allow us to become more antisocial and lazy as a society are just bad news. But, a few seconds later, I switched my cynical hat for my girly one and thought that maybe this new idea was actually, quite possibly, an aesthetically utilitarian one indeedy. After all, I was reminded of this yummy low-cut V-neck Bebe dress I bought eons ago that I managed to wear only twice and which now wistfully hangs at the back of my closet accruing dust–and my guilt. You know what I’m talking about; your closets all harbor the same story.

So, the verdict is still out, but for all you practical and budget-conscious ladies (and trannies) who need a lil somethin somethin for a fancy night out on the town, RentTheRunway.com might be a smart avenue to click to–plus, it’ll make you a trendsetter twice over. Literally.

*Photo from RentTheRunway.com.